Gaming authority offers regulatory structure

CONCORD — The Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority delivered its report to the governor and legislative leaders on Thursday, outlining the regulatory structure it believes is necessary for casino gambling in the state.

The proposed legislation establishes a new commission to oversee all legal gambling in the state and would allow the commission to approve one casino with up to 5,000 video slot machines and 150 table games.

The authority’s 44-page final report also proposes regulatory changes for the existing charitable gaming industry.

Two bills generated by the authority, one covering existing gaming, and the other expanded gambling, will be introduced in the 2014 legislative session.

The authority was established after the House killed Senate Bill 152 last spring, after it had passed the Senate and had the backing of Gov. Maggie Hassan.

One of the criticism from House members was the bill lacked a comprehensive regulatory structure to oversee expanded gambling in the state.